December 16, 2025 - Don't Just Set Your OOO. Set the "Do Not Open" Boundary.

Don't Just Set Your OOO. Set the "Do Not Open" Boundary.
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Your Weekly "Segment of One"

Hi Friend


Welcome to your weekly dose of personal and career fuel!




The holidays are almost here. And while you might be looking forward to true rest, your professional anxiety has other plans. If you check email "just once" during your break, you poison the entire time off.


This week, we're not just setting an Out-of-Office (OOO). We're setting a boundary that guarantees rest.


Let's get started.


This week's action:







Before you leave for the holiday break, change your auto-reply to include one crucial, non-negotiable directive: A clear, direct boundary stating that you will not be reading or responding to emails until your return date. Your action is to set this auto-reply and stick to it, turning your digital absence into genuine, protected time off.

Why this matters:


Your standard OOO simply tells people they can email you. A high-integrity OOO manages expectations so effectively that when you return in January, you can genuinely declare "inbox bankruptcy" and start fresh. Every unresolved issue consumes mental RAM. You can't start 2026 with a clear head if you're dragging the weight of 2025's email backlog. This is a declaration of respect for your own time and mental health.


Your "Do Not Open" OOO Script:


The key is clarity and providing an urgent contact, not an alternative way to reach you.

  • "Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office from [Start Date] until [Return Date] and will not be accessing email during this time.

  • Please Note: I will not be reading or responding to messages received during this period. Your email will be archived upon my return, allowing me to focus on new priorities for the New Year.

  • If this is an urgent matter that cannot wait until [Return Date], please contact [Colleague Name] at [Colleague Email] or [Phone Number]."

Like what you’ve read?












Setting this boundary is easy. Sticking to it and having the confidence to justify it is the hard part. When you're ready to explore how coaching can help you build the self-management skills to protect your time and lead with clear boundaries, let's connect:

Do you know your Professional Superpower?

Ever wonder what your unique professional gifts are? We all have natural talents that make us shine, but sometimes they're so innate, we don't even recognize them as "superpowers." Take this quick quiz to discover what makes you professionally powerful and how you can leverage it for greater career satisfaction and success!

Want more actionable tips?

Explore all previous editions in the "Segment of One" Archive

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December 9, 2025 - Stop Giving Tasks. Define the "Success Sandbox" for 2026